Fire Alarm Installation

Session: Fire Alarm Installation
PRESENTED BY: MICHAEL L. SAVAGE, LLC.

MICHAEL L. SAVAGE, LLC. 2
About the speaker…
Director of Building Safety in Marion County, Florida
Licensed Inspector in Maryland for 23 years.
Licensed in New Mexico.
Serves on ICC, IAPMO and NFPA Committees including the
NEC.
36 ICC Certifications including MCP and CBO
Member of the Board of Governors for ICC ES.
Chair of ICC Compliance Code Action Committee (CCAC)
Member of ICC Code Correlation Committee (CCC)
ICC Preferred Provider for Continuing Education.

What is a Fire Alarm System?
A system or portion of a combination system that

consists of components and circuits arranged to
monitor and annunciate the status of fire alarm or
supervisory signal-initiating devices and to initiate
the appropriate response to those signals.
This is the NFPA preferred definition.

When are Fire Alarms
required??
SECTION 907 FIRE ALARM AND DETECTION SYSTEMS (907.1 General.)
This section covers the application, installation, performance and
maintenance of fire alarm systems and their components.
907.2 Where required—new buildings and structures. An approved fire
alarm system installed in accordance with the provisions of this code
and NFPA 72 shall be provided in new buildings and structures in
accordance with Sections 907.2.1 through 907.2.23 and provide
occupant notification in accordance with Section 907.5, unless other
requirements are provided by another section of this code.
Not fewer than one manual fire alarm box shall be provided in an
approved location to initiate a fire alarm signal for fire alarm systems
employing automatic fire detectors or water-flow detection devices.
Where other sections of this code allow elimination of fire alarm boxes
due to sprinklers, a single fire alarm box shall be installed.

WHAT CODES APPLY TO FIRE
ALARM SYSTEMS?

2018 INTERNATIONAL
BUILDING CODE®
SECTION 907 FIRE ALARM AND DETECTION SYSTEMS
907.1 General. This section covers the application, installation,
performance and maintenance of fire alarm systems and their
components.
907.1.1 Construction documents
907.2 Where required—new buildings and structures
907.3 Fire safety functions

National Electrical Code®
®
(NFPA 70 )
The National Electrical Code® (NEC®) covers all of the
necessary requirements for all electrical work performed in
a building.
The Fire Protective Signaling Systems portion of the code
(NEC Article 760) details the specific requirements for
wiring and equipment installation for fire protection
signaling systems. Specifications include installation
methods, connection types, circuit identification, and wire
types (including gauges and insulation).
The NEC® places restrictions on the number and types of
circuit combinations that can be installed in the same
enclosure.
National Fire Alarm Code®
®
(NFPA 72 )
The recommended requirements for installation of fire alarm systems and
equipment in residential and commercial facilities are covered in this
code. Explains where to provide the fire alarm system (dictated
by the occupancy chapter).
Included are requirements for installation of initiating devices (sensors)
and notification appliances (visual or audible).
Inspection, testing, and maintenance requirements for fire alarm systems
and equipment are also covered.

Life Safety Code® (NFPA ®
101 )
This document is focused on the preservation and protection of human life, as
opposed to property.
Life safety requirements are detailed for both new construction and existing
structures. Specifically, necessary protection for unique building features and
construction are detailed.
In addition, chapters are organized to explain when, where, and for what
applications fire alarm systems are required, the necessary means of initiation
and occupant notification, and the means by which to notify the fire
department.
This code also details any equipment exceptions to these requirements.

Other Codes and Standards.
Uniform Fire Code™ (NFPA 1) – This code was established to help
fire authorities continually develop safeguards against fire
hazards. A chapter of this code is dedicated to fire protection
systems. Information and requirements for testing, operation,
installation, and periodic preventive maintenance of fire alarm
systems are included in this portion of the code.

Other Codes and Standards.
The NFPA also publishes specific standards that are used by fire alarm system
professionals. These include:
NFPA 75, Standard for Protection of Electronic Computer/Data Processing
Equipment
NFPA 80, Standard for Fire Doors and Other Opening Protectives
NFPA 90A, Standard for the Installation of Air Conditioning and Ventilating Systems
NFPA 90B, Standard for the Installation of Warm Air Heating and Air Conditioning
Systems
NFPA 92A, Standard for Smoke-Control Systems Utilizing Barriers and Pressure
Differences
Americans with Disability Act - Accessible Guidelines (ADA-AG): Explains
where to provide visual notification for the hearing impaired.

NFPA 70, Article 760
Fire Alarm Systems

What’s Covered in the NEC?
760.1 Scope. This article covers the installation of wiring and equipment
of fire alarm systems including all circuits controlled and powered by the
fire alarm system.

Fire Alarm System Installation
NEC Article 760 specifies the wiring methods and special cables
required for fire protective signaling systems.
The following special cable types are used in protective signaling
systems:
Power-limited fire alarm (FPL) cable
Power-limited fire alarm riser (FPLR) cable
Power-limited fire alarm plenum (FPLP) cable
Nonpower-limited fire alarm (NPLF) circuit cable
Nonpower-limited fire alarm riser (NPLFR) circuit riser cable
Nonpower-limited fire alarm plenum (NPLFP) circuit cable

760.3 Other Articles (Fire
Alarm Systems)
Fire alarm circuits required to comply with Article 760.
These same fire alarm circuits are required to comply with
other articles and sections of the Code as required by 760.3
Only those sections of Article 300 referenced in this article shall
apply to fire alarm systems.
◦ Spread of Fire or Products of Combustion. See 300.21
◦ Ducts, Plenums, and Other Air-Handling Spaces. See 300.22

General Wiring Requirements
In addition to NEC Article 760, the following NEC® articles cover other items of
concern for fire alarm system installations.
NEC Sections 110.11 and 300.6(A),(B), and (C), Corrosive, Damp, or Wet Locations
NEC Section 300.21, Spread of Fire or Products of Combustion
NEC Section 300.22, Ducts, Plenums, and Other Air Handling Spaces
NEC Articles 500 through 516 and 517, Part IV, Locations Classified as Hazardous
NEC Article 695, Fire Pumps
NEC Article 725, Remote-Control and Signaling Circuits (Building Control Circuits)
NEC Article 770, Fiber Optics
NEC Article 800, Communications Circuits
NEC Article 810, Radio and Television Equipment

760.3(A) Spread of Fire or Products of
Combustion.
 760.3(A) & 300.21 Spread of Fire or Products of Combustion.
Electrical installations in hollow spaces, vertical shafts, and ventilation or air-
handling ducts shall be made so that the possible spread of fire or products of
combustion will not be substantially increased. Openings around electrical
penetrations into or through fire-resistant-rated walls, partitions, floors, or ceilings
shall be firestopped using approved methods to maintain the fire resistance rating.

760.3(B) Ducts, Plenums, and
Other Air-Handling Spaces.
760.3(B) See 300.22.
Section 300.22, where installed in ducts or plenums or other spaces used
for environmental air.
Wiring in air handling spaces requires the use of approved wiring
methods, such as:
◦ Special plenum-rated cable
◦ Flexible metal tubing (Greenfield)
◦ Electrical metallic tubing (EMT)
◦ Intermediate metallic conduit (IMC)
◦ Rigid metallic conduit (hard wall or Schedule 80 conduit)

300.22(B) Other Space Used for Environmental Air.
Low Volt, ATC and Thermostat Cables Shall be Listed.
*Plenum Rated Cables*
Photo: IAEI Archives MICHAEL L. SAVAGE, LLC.
9/21/2018
21
760.3(C) Hazardous
(Classified) Locations.
The NEC® includes requirements for wiring in hazardous locations. Some
areas that are considered hazardous are listed below:
•NEC Article 511, Commercial Garages, Repair and Storage
•NEC Article 513, Aircraft Hangars
•NEC Article 514, Gasoline Dispensing and Service Stations
•NEC Article 515, Bulk Storage Plants
•NEC Article 516, Spray Application, Dipping, and Coating
•NEC Article 517, Healthcare Facilities

760.3(D) Corrosive, Damp, or
Wet Locations.
Where installed in corrosive, damp, or wet location Sections 110.11, 300.6, and
310.10(G), shall apply.
110.11 Deteriorating Agents. Unless identified for use in the operating
environment, no conductors or equipment shall be located in damp or wet
locations; where exposed to gases, fumes, vapors, liquids, or other agents that
have a deteriorating effect on the conductors or equipment; or where exposed
to excessive temperatures.
Equipment not identified for outdoor use and equipment identified only for
indoor use, such as “dry locations,” “indoor use only,” “damp locations,” or
enclosure Types 1, 2, 5, 12, 12K, and/or 13, shall be protected against damage
from the weather during construction.
IN SHORT…IT SHALL BE LISTED!!

760.3(D) Corrosive, Damp, or
Wet Locations.
300.6 Protection Against Corrosion and Deterioration.
Raceways, cable trays, cablebus, auxiliary gutters, cable armor, boxes,
cable sheathing, cabinets, elbows, couplings, fittings, supports, and
support hardware shall be of materials suitable for the environment in
which they are to be installed.
(G) Corrosive Conditions. Conductors exposed to oils, greases, vapors,
gases, fumes, liquids, or other substances having a deleterious effect on
the conductor or insulation shall be of a type suitable for the
application.

760.3(E) Building Control
Circuits.
Article 725, where building control circuits (e.g., elevator
capture, fan shutdown) are associated with the fire alarm
system.
◦ Wiring in elevator shafts must directly relate to the
elevator and be installed in rigid metallic conduit, rigid
nonmetallic conduit, EMT, IMC, or up to 6’ of flexible
conduit.

760.3(F) Optical Fiber
Cables.
Where optical fiber cables are utilized for fire
alarm circuits, the cables shall be installed in
accordance with Article 770.

Article 300.8:

760.3(I) Vertical Support for Fire Rated
Cables and Conductors.
Vertical installations of circuit integrity (CI) cables and conductors installed
in a raceway or conductors and cables of electrical circuit protective
systems shall be installed in accordance with 300.19.

760.3(I) Vertical Support for Fire
Rated Cables and Conductors.
300.19 Supporting Conductors in Vertical Raceways includes:
(A) Spacing Intervals — Maximum.
(B) Fire-Rated Cables and Conductors.
(C) Support Methods.

760.3(J) Number and Size of Cables and
Conductors in Raceway.
Installations shall comply with 300.17, Number and Size of Conductors in
Raceway.
The number and size of conductors in any raceway shall not be more than
will permit dissipation of the heat and ready installation or withdrawal of
the conductors without damage to the conductors or to their insulation.
(K) Bushing. A bushing shall be installed where cables emerge from

raceway used for mechanical support or protection in accordance with
300.15(C).

760.21 Access to Electrical Equipment
Behind Panels Designed to Allow
Access.
Access to electrical equipment shall not be denied by an
accumulation of conductors and cables that prevents removal
of panels, including suspended ceiling panels.

760.24 Mechanical Execution
of Work.
Fire alarm circuits shall be installed in a neat workmanlike manner.
Cables and conductors installed exposed on the surface of ceilings and
sidewalls shall be supported by the building structure in such a manner
that the cable will not be damaged by normal building use.
Such cables shall be supported by straps, staples, cable ties, hangers, or
similar fittings designed and installed so as not to damage the cable.
The installation shall also comply with 300.4(D).

760.25 Abandoned Cables.
The accessible portion of abandoned fire alarm cables shall be removed.
Where cables are identified for future use with a tag, the tag shall be of
sufficient durability to withstand the environment involved.

760.25 Abandoned Cables.

760.30 Fire Alarm Circuit Identification.
Fire alarm circuits shall be identified at terminal and junction

locations in a manner that helps to prevent unintentional
signals on fire alarm system circuit(s) during testing and
servicing of other systems.

760.32 Fire Alarm Circuits
Extending Beyond One Building.
Power-limited fire alarm circuits that extend beyond one building and run
outdoors either shall meet the installation requirements of Parts II, III, and
IV of Article 800 or shall meet the installation requirements of Part I of
Article 300.
Non–power-limited fire alarm circuits that extend beyond one building
and run outdoors shall meet the installation requirements of Part I of
Article 300 and the applicable sections of Part I of Article 225.

300.5 Underground Installations.
(As Used per 760.32)
(A) Minimum Cover Requirements. Direct-buried cable or conduit or other
raceways shall be installed to meet the minimum cover requirements of Table
300.5.
(B) Wet Locations. The interior of enclosures or raceways installed underground
shall be considered to be a wet location. Insulated conductors and cables
installed in these enclosures or raceways in underground installations shall be
listed for use in wet locations and shall comply with 310.10(C). Any connections
or splices in an underground installation shall be approved for wet locations.
(C) Underground Cables Under Buildings. Underground cable installed under a
building shall be in a raceway.
Exception No. 1: Type MI Cable shall be permitted under a building without
installation in a raceway where embedded in concrete, fill, or other masonry in
accordance with 332.10(6) or in underground runs where suitably protected
against physical damage and corrosive conditions in accordance with 332.10(10).

314.21(B) Outlet and Device Boxes with Enclosed Devices or
300.9 Raceways in Wet Locations
Utilization Equipment.
Abovegrade
Where raceways are installed in wet locations above-grade, the

interior of these raceways shall be considered to be a wet
location.
Outlet and device boxes that enclose devices or utilization equipment
Insulated
shall conductors
have a minimum anddepth
internal cables installed
that in raceways
accommodates in wet
the rearward
locations
projection abovegrade
of the equipment and theshall comply
size with 310.8(C).
of the conductors that supply
the equipment. MICHAEL L. SAVAGE, LLC. Photo: IAEI43
Archives
760.48 Conductors of Different
Circuits in Same Cable, Enclosure,
or Raceway.
(A) Class 1 and non–power limited fire alarm circuits shall be permitted to
occupy the same cable, enclosure, or raceway without regard to whether the
individual circuits are alternating current or direct current, provided all
conductors are insulated for the maximum voltage of any conductor in the
enclosure or raceway.
(B) Fire Alarm with Power-Supply Circuits.
Power-supply and fire alarm circuit conductors shall be permitted in the same
cable, enclosure, or raceway only where connected to the same equipment.

760.121 Power Sources for PLFA
Circuits.
(B) Branch Circuit. The branch circuit supplying the fire alarm equipment(s)
shall supply no other loads.
The location of the branch-circuit overcurrent protective device shall be
permanently identified at the fire alarm control unit. The circuit disconnecting
means shall have red identification, shall be accessible only to qualified
personnel, and shall be identified as “FIRE ALARM CIRCUIT.”
The red identification shall not damage the overcurrent protective devices or
obscure the manufacturer’s markings. This branch circuit shall not be supplied
through ground-fault circuit interrupters or arc-fault circuit interrupters.

760.139(D) Audio System
Circuits and PLFA Circuits.
Audio system circuits described in 640.9(C) and installed using Class 2
or Class 3 wiring methods in compliance with 725.133 and 725.154
shall not be permitted to be installed in the same cable, cable tray, or
raceway with power-limited conductors or cables.

760.139(D) Audio System Circuits and PLFA Circuits.

760.139(D) Audio System Circuits and PLFA Circuits.
760.139(D)

Article 760.154 Cable
Substitutions

Plenum vs. Riser
• Plenum
• Plenum spaces are defined as any space used as a return
passage for environmental air.
• The wiring is not required to go through conduit
• Fire resistant and low smoke producing characteristics
• “Non-Plenum” does not necessarily mean “Riser,” some low-end products
are also not riser.
Floor
Structural Support
Plenum Cables
Plenum Air Handling Space
Air Supply Duct Suspended Ceiling Air Return
Riser (or Plenum) Cable

Access Shaft

760.176 (F) Fire Alarm Circuit Integrity (CI) Cable or Electrical
Circuit Protective System.
Cables used for survivability of critical circuits shall be listed as circuit integrity (CI) cable. Cables
specified in 760.176(C), (D), and (E), and used for circuit integrity shall have the additional
classification using the suffix “-CI.”
Cables that are part of a listed electrical circuit protective system shall be considered to meet
the requirements of survivability. MICHAEL L. SAVAGE, LLC. 52
760.176 (F) Fire Alarm Circuit Integrity (CI) Cable or Electrical
Circuit Protective System.

760.176 (G) Fire Alarm Circuit Integrity (CI) Cable or Electrical
Circuit Protective System (Multi-conductor).
 Cables that are listed for circuit integrity shall be identified with the suffix “CI” as defined in
760.176(F).
 Temperature rating shall be marked on the jacket of NPLFA cables that have a temperature
rating exceeding 60°C (140°F).
 The jacket of NPLFA cables shall be marked MICHAEL L. SAVAGE, LLC.
with the conductor size. 54
760.176 (G) Fire Alarm Circuit Integrity (CI) Cable or Electrical
Circuit Protective System (Multi-conductor).

Fire Alarm Cable Construction
SHIELDING
JACKET INSULATION
DRAIN WIRE
• PVC Aluminum Backed Mylar • PVC
• Plenum cables are Included on all shielded
• Polypropylene
constructions, used to
constructed with low-smoke PVC
ground the shield.
• Tubed or Extruded Jacket
LEGEND These 4 must appear on all cables Nationally

Recognized Testing Lab Standard
Footmarking Mfg. Part# Size Listing Mfg. ID NEC Rating Mfg Date
Agency
Conductors
National Fire Alarm
& Signaling Code

What does NFPA 72 cover….
NFPA 72 covers the application, installation, location,
performance, inspection, testing, and maintenance of fire
alarm systems, supervising station alarm systems, public emergency
alarm reporting systems, fire warning equipment and
emergency communications systems (ECS), and their components.

What is it’s purpose….
The purpose of this Code is to define the means of
signal initiation, transmission, notification, and annunciation;
the levels of performance; and the reliability of the various
Types of fire alarm systems, supervising station alarm systems,
public emergency alarm reporting systems, fire warning
equipment, emergency communications systems, and their
components.

Chapter 7 Documentation
The documentation of the
design, acceptance, and
completion of new systems
required under this Code shall
comply with the minimum
requirements of chapter 7.
This chapter outlines
documentation requirements
but does not prohibit additional
documentation from being
provided.

7.2 Minimum Required
Documentation.
Where documentation is required by the authority having jurisdiction, the following list shall represent
the minimum documentation required for new fire alarm systems, supervising station and shared
communication equipment, and emergency communications systems, including new systems and
additions or alterations to existing systems:
(1)Written narrative providing intent and system description
(2) Riser diagram
(3) Floor plan layout showing locations of all devices, control equipment, and supervising station and
shared communications equipment with each sheet showing the following:
(a) Point of compass (north arrow)
(b) A graphic representation of the scale used
(c) Room use identification
(d) Building features that will affect the placement of initiating devices and notification appliances
(4) Sequence of operation in either an input/output matrix or narrative form
(5) Equipment technical data sheets

Documentation.
(6) Manufacturers’ published instructions, including operation and maintenance instructions
(7) Battery capacity and de-rating calculations (where batteries are provided)
(8) Voltage drop calculations for notification appliance circuits
(9) Mounting height elevation for wall-mounted devices and appliances
(10) Where occupant notification is required, minimum sound pressure levels that must be produced
by the audible notification appliances in applicable covered areas
(11) Pathway diagrams between the control unit and the supervising station and shared
communications equipment
(12) Completed record of completion in accordance with 7.5.6 and 7.8.2
(13) For software-based systems, a copy of site-specific software, including specific instructions on how
to obtain the means of system and software access (password)
(14) Record (as-built) drawings
(15) Records, record retention, and record maintenance in accordance with Section 7.7
(16) Completed record of inspection and testing in accordance with 7.6.6 and 7.8.2

Documentation.
7.2.2 System design documents shall identify the name and
contact information of the system designer.
7.2.3 All fire alarm drawings shall use symbols described in
NFPA 170 or other symbols acceptable to the authority having
jurisdiction.

7.3 Design (Layout)
Documentation.
7.3.1* These requirements of Section 7.3 shall apply only where
required by other governing laws, codes, or standards; by
other parts of this Code; or by project specifications or drawings.
7.3.2* Where required by governing laws, codes, or standards,
or other parts of this Code, design (layout) documents shall
be prepared prior to installing new systems.
7.3.3* Where required by governing laws, codes, or standards,
or other parts of this Code, preliminary plans shall be created.

7.4 Shop Drawings (Installation
Documentation).
7.4.2* Shop drawings shall be drawn to an indicated scale, on sheets of
uniform size, with a plan of each floor.
7.4.3 Shop drawings for fire alarm and emergency communications systems
shall provide basic information and shall provide the basis for the record
(as-built) drawings required in accordance with 7.5.2.
7.4.4 Shop drawings shall include the following information:
(1) Name of protected premises, owner, and occupant (where applicable)
(2) Name of installer or contractor
(3) Location of protected premises
(4) Device legend and symbols in accordance with NFPA 170,
or other symbols acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction
(5) Date of issue and any revision dates

7.5 Completion
Documentation.
7.5.2 Before requesting final approval of the installation, if required
by the authority having jurisdiction, the installing contractor shall
furnish a written statement stating that the system has
been installed in accordance with approved plans and tested in
accordance with the manufacturer’s published instructions and
the appropriate NFPA requirements.

7.5 Completion
Documentation.
7.5.3 All systems including new systems and additions or alterations to
existing systems shall include the following documentation, which shall
be delivered to the owner or the owner’s representative upon final
acceptance of the system:
(1)*An owner’s manual and manufacturer’s published instructions
covering all system equipment
(2) Record (as-built) drawings in accordance with 7.5.5
(3) A completed record of completion form in accordance
with 7.5.6
(4) For software-based systems, record copy of the site-specific
software in accordance with 7.5.7

Basic System Components
System control unit (alarm panel)
◦ Brain of system
◦ Processes alarm signals from actuating devices and transmits them to the local
or other alerting system

Elements of a Control Panel
Requires two Power Sources
Primary (AC)
Secondary (DC)

A fire alarm
system can have
a variety of
input devices.
Smoke Detector
Manual Pull Station

Basic System Components (cont.)
Power supply
◦ Primary power supply
◦ Public electric utility
◦ Engine-driven generator
◦ Secondary power supply
◦ Storage battery and charger
◦ Engine-driven generator and 4-hour storage battery
◦ Multiple engine-driven generators
◦ Trouble signal power supply

Basic System Components (cont.)
Initiating devices(Inputs): manual pull stations, heat detectors, smoke
detectors, flame detectors, waterflow devices, tamper switches, and
combination detectors
Initiating Device Circuit (IDC): A circuit to which automatic or manual
initiating devices are connected where the signal received does not
identify the individual device operated
Notification appliances: bells, buzzers, horns, recorded voice messages,
strobe lights, speakers, and other warning appliances
Auxiliary services

Horns
Strobes
Outputs
Outputs
Notification Appliance: A fire alarm system component such as a bell,
horn, speaker, light, or text display that provides audible, tactile, or visible
output, or any combination thereof.
Notification Appliance Circuit: A circuit or path directly connected to a

notification appliance.

The Basic System
Main Controller
Inputs
Primary (AC)
Secondary (DC) Outputs
Signal Initiation/Initiating Devices:

Need to understand stages of fire and what technology works best for each

Design Goals.
The design goal of most fire alarm systems is life safety.
Some systems are designed with a secondary purpose of protecting either
property or the activities (mission) within a building.
The goal of both property and mission protection is the early detection of a
fire so that firefighting efforts can begin while the fire is still small and
manageable.

Secondary Goal of Systems.
Fire alarm systems with a secondary goal of property protection are
commonly used in museums, libraries, storage facilities, and historic
buildings in order to minimize damage to the buildings or their contents.
Systems with a secondary goal of mission protection are commonly used
where it is essential to avoid business interruptions, such as in hospitals,
financial businesses, security control rooms, and telecommunication
centers.

Types of Fire Alarm Control Panels
Conventional (hard wired)
◦ Fixed
◦ Programmable
Addressable (multiplexed)
Intelligent (analog data transfer)

Conventional “Hard Wired” System
Simplest type of control unit.
Generally, a single circuit board contains power supply,
control, initiating and notification circuitry.
Some models use auxiliary circuit boards to perform special
functions.
Input/output devices connect to dedicated circuits.
Designated outputs occur when initiating signals are
received.
Limited special functions and capabilities.

Conventional “Programmable” System
Basic “Designed System”
Components selected by the designer to meet the direct
needs of the customer.
Initiating circuits are programmable for fire, waterflow,
supervisory service, etc.
Output circuits are programmable for code selection and
silenceability.
On some systems, input-to-output CIRCUIT (not device)
mapping.

Addressable System
Each device (detector, pull station…) has a unique number
assigned to it called the address for reporting alarms and
troubles.
Employs a Signaling Line Circuit (SLC) Loop along which all
addressable input and output devices are connected to the
fire alarm control panel.
Addressable devices transmit an electronic message back to
the Control Unit representing their state (Normal, Alarm,
Trouble) when polled by the Control Unit.

Analog System
Always an Addressable System.
Processes detailed, analog data from detectors about
smoke levels.
Can provide sensitivity data for each detector.
Employs Drift Compensation (self calibration) in its
detectors.

Drift Compensation
Drift compensation is the process by which an analog
addressable control panel automatically adjusts an
analog detectors alarm threshold to compensate for
contaminants such as dust.
This ensures the detector maintains a consistent
sensitivity level, helping to avoid false alarms due to dirty
detectors.

Maintenance Alert
Drift compensation occurs until it is nearing a point
where it can no longer compensate and remain within
U.L. requirements. This point is called “Maintenance
Alert”
Some systems handle a maintenance alert condition as
a trouble while others flag the condition only, and
continue to operate normally.

Calibration Trouble
A detector in a maintenance alert condition will eventually
go into calibration trouble if not serviced.
A detector in calibration trouble is not functioning correctly
and requires service immediately.

Multiplex Systems
Multiplex systems are similar to hardwired systems in that
they rely on zones for fire detection. The difference,
however, is that multiplexing allows multiple signals from
several sources to be sent and received over a single
communication line. Each signal can be uniquely identified.
This results in reduced control equipment, less wiring
infrastructure, and a distributed power supply. Figure
shows a simplified example of a multiplex system.

Shielded vs. Unshielded
• Shielded Cables
• Offers excellent protection against RFI & EMI
• RFI – Radio Frequency Interference
(such as cell phones, radio towers or garage door openers)
• EMI – Electro Magnetic Interference
(caused by electric motors, ballasts, & other high voltage currents)
• Shielded cables should be used when installing near dimmer panels,
light switches, in parallel runs, near neon or fluorescent lights and near
power cables
• Unshielded Cables
• Cost effective for areas where interference (EMI) is not a concern

Cabled vs. Straight Lay
• Cabled
• Reduces crosstalk interference from other signals (inside or outside the cable)
• Also referred to as “twisted” cables
• Most commonly used in fire alarm systems
• The majority of products are cabled to cover a wide range of
applications and prevent having to stock/manage duplicate sku’s
• Straight Lay
• Cost effective for areas where interference is not a concern
• Also referred to as “parallel” cables

Stranded vs. Solid
• Solid
• Industry standard for most fire alarm cable
• Easier to terminate
• Easier to solder
• Lower cost
• Less attenuation / signal loss
• Stranded
• More flexible
• Reduces potential conductor breakage
from repeated flexing

Distance & Capacitance
Distance cable will run
• Voltage drop should be calculated or refer to equipment manufacturer’s
recommendations
• Knowing the distance the cable will run also helps identify the right gauge
size cable to select.
• Larger gauge for longer runs
Capacitance
• The capacity of the insulation to hold an electric charge
• Often, lower capacitance (Picofarrads/foot = pF/ft) translates to a higher
performance cable
• May need to meet requirements for specific hardware systems.

•All rooms
•Halls
•Storage areas
•Basements, attics, lofts
•Elevator shafts
•Enclosed stairways
•Dumb waiter shafts, and chutes
Note: this includes sprinkler heads connected to the fire alarm

Manual Alarm-Initiating
Devices
General requirements
◦ Mounting and distribution
◦ Generally not required in fully sprinklered structures
◦ Outmoded “broken glass” pull stations
Coded versus noncoded pull stations
Single-action and double-action pull stations

Initiating Devices - Manual Fire Alarm
Stations
Manually-operated device used
to initiate an alarm signal
◦ Single Action Stations require a
single operation to activate it.
Generally a pulling down action.
◦ Dual Action Stations require two
distinct operations. A set-up and
an activating action.
Automatic Alarm-Initiating
Devices
Continuously monitor atmosphere
Four basic types
◦ Heat detectors
◦ Smoke detectors
◦ Fire-gas detectors
◦ Flame detectors

Heat Detectors
Fixed temperature heat detectors
◦ Fusible links/frangible bulbs
◦ Continuous line detector
◦ Bimetallic detector
Rate-of-rise heat detector
◦ Pneumatic rate-of-rise spot detector
◦ Pneumatic rate-of-rise line detector
◦ Rate compensated detector
◦ Thermoelectric detector

Heat Detectors
Fixed Detectors:
◦ Alarm when the sensing element reaches a certain set point.
◦ Two common models have 135 and 200-degrees F range.
◦ Fixed element is generally a non-restorable type, and when
activated, must be replaced.
Rate-of-Rise Detectors:
◦ Respond when the rate of temperature increase is greater than an
allowable limit (15 degrees in 60 secs.) (placement in a stable
environment) (e.g.. ovens, heating vents, etc.).
◦ The Rate-of-Rise element is restorable when conditions return to
normal.
Rate Compensation will respond regardless of the rate of
temperature rise.

Smoke Detectors
Photoelectric smoke detector
◦ Projected beam
◦ Refractory photocell
Ionization smoke detector
◦ Dual chamber
◦ Air-sampling smoke detectors
◦ Cloud chamber
◦ Second type
Photoelectric detectors are often faster than ionization detectors in

sensing smoke from slow, smoldering fires. Ionization detectors are
often better than photoelectric detectors at sensing fast, flaming fires.

Photoelectric Smoke Detectors:
Light-Scattering Type
Uses a Light-Emitting Diode (LED) that
sends a beam of light into a dark
chamber- a photo diode sits on the other
side of a partition within the chamber
Smoke particles entering the chamber
deflect some of the light rays into the
photo cell. The photo cell generates a
current when exposed to light, and if the
current reaches a certain level, the
detector alarms.

Photoelectric Smoke Detectors:
Light Obscuration Type
In a projected Beam Detector,
alarms are generated by
diffusing the projected light
beam by a specified percentage
of obscuration.
Total beam blockage generally
results in a trouble signal.
Ionization Smoke Detectors
Contain a small amount of
radioactive material encapsulated
in a metal chamber. Ionizing
radiation develops a low, but
steady electrical current. Smoke
particles entering the chamber
disrupt the current and trigger the
detector's alarm.
Ion detectors react more quickly to
fast flaming fires that give off little
smoke.

Smoke Detectors (cont.)
Limitations
◦ May not provide early warning of a fire developing on
another level of a building
◦ May not detect fire developing on the other side of a
closed door
◦ May not be effective when fire is caused by explosions
resulting from careless housekeeping

Types of
Flame Detectors
◦ Ultraviolet (UV) uses a solid-state sensing element of silicon
carbide, aluminum nitrate, or a gas-filled tube. The UV
radiation of a flame causes gas in the element or tube to ionize
and become conductive. When sufficient current flow is
detected, an alarm is initiated.
◦ Infrared (IR) consists of a filter and lens system that screens
out unwanted radiant-energy wavelengths and focuses the
incoming energy on light-sensitive components. These flame
detectors can respond to the total IR content of the flame
alone or to a combination of IR with flame flicker of a specific
frequency. They are used indoors and have filtering systems or
solar sensing circuits to minimize unwanted alarms from
sunlight.

Fire Gas Detectors
Monitors levels of gases released by combustion
◦ Carbon dioxide
◦ Carbon monoxide
Faster than heat detectors but slower than smoke detectors

Duct Detectors
Photoelectric detector
mounted in housing outside
the ductwork that has
probes that extend into the
duct to sample the air inside
the duct.
Primarily used as a smoke
control device to control the
flow of air in ductwork.
Duct Detectors
NFPA 90A and NFPA 90B require that duct detectors be tied into
a general fire alarm system if the building contains one. If no
separate fire alarm system exists, then remote audio/visual
indicators, triggered by the duct detectors, must be provided in
normally occupied areas of the building.
Duct detectors that perform functions other than the shutdown
of HVAC equipment must be supplied with backup power.
IMC Section 606.2.2 Common supply and return air systems.

Where multiple air-handling systems share common supply or return air ducts or
plenums with a combined design capacity greater than 2,000 cfm (0.9 m3/s), the
return air system shall be provided with smoke detectors in accordance with
Section 606.2.1.
Duct Detectors
Notification Appliances Types
Audible - Horns, Bells, Sounders, Sirens, Chimes, Speakers
Visual - Strobes
Physical - Bed shakers
Olfactory - Smell

Audible Devices
Bells: Used if they are only
for fire, or have a distinctive
sound from other bell
signaling devices. Often
used as an external gong to
indicate the flow of water in
the sprinkler system.
Horns: Loud and distinctive
output. Often used in high-
noise environments, such as
manufacturing plants.
Audible Devices
Sounders: Electronic or mechanical
audible devices, which are capable of
producing a variety of tones. Often, the
tone is selectable during installation of
the device.
Chimes: Soft-toned appliances used

where loud noises could be disruptive to
other operations. Generally used where
qualified personnel are continuously in
attendance.
Audible Devices
Sirens: Extremely loud
devices generally limited in
use to outdoor or heavy
industrial areas.
Speakers: Audible devices

used in conjunction with
voice evacuation messages.
Life-Safety speakers are not
generally associated with
Muzak systems.
Visual Signaling
Appliances
VISUAL SIGNALING APPLIANCES ARE USED IN HIGH -
NOISE ENVIRONMENTS, IN AREAS OCCUPIED BY
HEARING-IMPAIRED INDIVIDUALS, OR IN AREAS
WHERE AUDIBLE DEVICES MAY NOT BE DESIRED.

Visual Devices
Strobe
Chime/Strobe
Horn/
Strobe
Speaker/Strobe
Record Keeping
Maintaining Files and Records
◦ Documents:
◦ Inspection reports, forms, and letters
◦ Violation notices
◦ Summonses
◦ Plans review comments, approvals, and drawings
◦ Fire reports
◦ Investigations
◦ Permits and certificates issued

Record Keeping
Maintaining Files and Records (cont.)
◦ Occupancies:
◦ Those that have been issued a permit, certificate, or license
◦ Those that contain automatic fire suppression or detection systems
◦ Those that conduct hazardous operations or routinely house
hazardous materials
◦ Duration: life of structure
◦ Public record
Written records
◦ File for each inspected property
◦ Cataloging and storage

Facilities shall maintain a record of the complete fire alarm tests,
inspections and certifications. III

System Installer Qualifications?
10.5.2.1 Fire alarm systems and emergency communications
systems installation personnel shall be qualified or shall be
supervised by persons who are qualified in the installation,
inspection, and testing of the systems.
10.5.2.2 State or local licensure regulations shall be followed
to determine qualified personnel.

System
SystemInstaller
InstallerQualifications?
Qualifications?
10.5.2.3 Personnel shall provide documentation of their
qualification by one or more of the following:
(1) Registration, licensing, or certification by a state or local
authority
(2) Certification by an organization acceptable to the authority
having jurisdiction
(3) Manufacturer’s certification for the specific type and
brand of system provided
10.5.2.4 System installation trainees shall be under the
supervision of a qualified system installer.
10.5.2.5 The system installer shall provide evidence of their
qualifications and/or certifications when requested by the
authority having jurisdiction.

Fundamentals, Chapter 10
10.6.7.1 Operation on secondary power shall not affect the
required performance of a system or supervising station
facility, including alarm, supervisory, and trouble signals and
indications.
10.6.7.2 Capacity
10.6.7.2.1.1 Battery calculations shall include a 20 percent
safety margin to the calculated amp-hour rating
This provides alignment with UL 864 9th edition and the
realization that over the life of a battery, it will decay.

Be tested annually by
qualified personnel
•All facilities shall have inspections and written

certifications of the complete fire alarm system
completed by an approved qualified service
representative in accordance with NFPA 72.

14.4. Acceptance Testing.
10.4.1.1 Initial Acceptance Testing.
All new systems shall be inspected and tested in accordance with the
requirements of Chapter 14.
The authority having jurisdiction shall be notified prior to the initial
acceptance test.
10.4.1.2 Reacceptance Testing.
When an initiating device, notification appliance, or control relay is added, it
shall be functionally tested.
When an initiating device, notification appliance, or control relay is deleted,
another device, appliance, or control relay on the circuit shall be operated.
When modifications or repairs to control equipment hardware are made, the
control equipment shall be tested in accordance with Table 14.4.3.2, items
2(a) and 2(d).

Partial Table Shown
14.4.4 Testing Frequency.
Unless otherwise permitted by other sections of this Code, testing shall be
performed in accordance with the schedules in Table 14.4.3.2 or more
often if required by the authority having jurisdiction.
14.4.4.1 Devices or equipment that are inaccessible for safety
considerations (e.g., continuous process operations, energized electrical
equipment, radiation, and excessive height) shall be permitted to be
tested during scheduled shutdowns if approved by the authority having
jurisdiction.
Extended intervals shall not exceed 18 months.
14.4.4.2 If automatic testing is performed at least weekly by a remotely
monitored fire alarm control unit specifically listed for the application, the
manual testing frequency shall be permitted to be extended to annually.

Testing Table 14.4.3.2

10.20 Impairments.
10.20.1 The system owner or the owner’s designated representative
shall be notified when a system or part thereof is impaired.
Impairments to systems shall include out-of-service events.
10.20.2 A record of the impairments shall be maintained by the system
owner or the owner’s designated representative for a period of 1 year
from the date the impairment is corrected.
10.20.3 The supervising station shall report to the authority having
jurisdiction any system for which required monitoring has been
terminated.

10.20 Impairments.
10.20.4* The service provider shall report to the authority having
jurisdiction any system that is out of service for more than 8 hours.
10.20.5* Where required by the authority having jurisdiction, mitigating
measures shall be implemented for the period that the system is impaired.
10.20.6 The system owner or the owner’s designated representative and
the authority having jurisdiction shall be notified when an impairment
period ends.
10.21* Unwanted Alarms. For the purpose of reporting, alarm signals that
are not the result of hazardous conditions shall be classified as Unwanted
and subclassified as one of the following:
(1) Malicious alarm
(2) Nuisance alarm
(3) Unintentional alarm
(4) Unknown alarm

Single- and Multiple-Station Alarms and
Household Fire Alarm Systems – Chapter 29
29.3.8.1* Mild to Severe Hearing Loss.
Notification appliances provided for those with mild to severe
hearing loss shall comply with the following:
◦ (1) An audible notification appliance producing a low
frequency alarm signal shall be installed in the following
situations:
◦ (a) Where required by governing laws, codes, or standards for
people with hearing loss
◦ (b) Where provided voluntarily for those with hearing loss

Single- and Multiple-Station Alarms and
Household Fire Alarm Systems – Chapter 29
◦ (2)*The low frequency alarm signal output shall comply
with the following:
◦ (a) The waveform shall have a fundamental frequency of 520
Hz ±10 percent.
◦ (b) The minimum sound level at the pillow shall be 75 dBA, or
15 dB above the average ambient sound level, or 5 dB above
the maximum sound level having a duration of at least 60
seconds, whichever is greater.

29.5.1.1 Required Detection
(1)*In all sleeping rooms and guest rooms
(2)*Outside of each separate dwelling unit sleeping area, within 21 ft of
any door to a sleeping room, the distance measured along a path of travel
(3) On every level of a dwelling unit, including basements
(4) On every level of a residential board and care occupancy (small
facility), including basements and excluding crawl spaces and unfinished
attics
(5)*In the living area(s) of a guest suite
(6) In the living area(s) of a residential board and care occupancy (small
facility)

29.8.3.1 Peaked Ceilings
Smoke alarms or smoke detectors mounted on a peaked ceiling shall be
located within 36 in. horizontally of the peak, but not closer than 4 in.
vertically to the peak.

29.8.3.2 Sloped Ceilings
Smoke alarms or smoke detectors mounted on a sloped ceiling having a
rise greater than 1 ft in 8 ft horizontally shall be located within 36 in. of
the high side of the ceiling, but not closer than 4 in. from the adjoining
wall surface.

29.8.3.3 Wall Mounting.
Smoke alarms or smoke detectors mounted on walls shall be located not
farther than 12 in. from the adjoining ceiling surface.

29.8.3.4 Specific Location
Requirements.
(4) Cooking appliances has several requirements including; shall be
equipped with an alarm-silencing means or be of the photoelectric type.
(6) Smoke alarms and smoke detectors shall not be installed within a 36 in.
horizontal path from a door to a bathroom containing a shower or tub.
horizontal path from the supply registers of a forced air heating or cooling
system and shall be installed outside of the direct airflow from those
registers.
horizontal path from the tip of the blade of a ceiling-suspended (paddle)
fan.

(4) Cooking appliances




Installation meets Code?
YES!!

29.8.3.4 Specific Location
Requirements.
(11)*For tray-shaped ceilings (coffered ceiling) smoke alarms and
smoke detectors shall be installed on the highest portion of the ceiling
or on the sloped portion of the ceiling within 12 in. vertically down
from the highest point.

Manufacturer specs

AVOIDING DEAD AIR SPACES
“Dead air” spaces may prevent smoke from reaching the Smoke/CO Alarm.
To avoid dead air spaces, follow installation recommendations below.
On ceilings, install Smoke/CO Alarms as close to the center of the ceiling as
possible. If this is not possible, install the Smoke/CO Alarm at least 4 inches
from the wall or corner.
For wall mounting (if allowed by building codes), the top edge of Smoke/CO
Alarms should be placed between 4 inches and 12 inches from the wall/ceiling
line.
On a peaked, gabled, or cathedral ceiling, install the first Smoke/CO Alarm
within 3 feet of the peak of the ceiling, measured horizontally. Additional
Smoke/CO Alarms may be required depending on the length, angle, etc. of the
ceiling's slope.
Refer to NFPA 72 for details on requirements for sloped or peaked ceilings.

IRC SECTION R315
CARBON MONOXIDE ALARMS
R315.2.1 New construction. For new construction, carbon
monoxide alarms shall be provided in dwelling units where
either or both of the following conditions exist.
1. The dwelling unit contains a fuel-fired appliance.
2. The dwelling unit has an attached garage with an opening
that communicates with the dwelling unit.
R315.3 Location. Carbon monoxide alarms in dwelling units
shall be installed outside of each separate sleeping area in
the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms. Where a fuel-
burning appliance is located within a bedroom or its
attached bathroom, a carbon monoxide alarm shall be
installed within the bedroom.
What is the specific gravity of
different gases?
Carbon monoxide – CO, SPG of 0.9667
Oxygen - O2, SPG of 1.1044
Air1), SPG of 1.000
CO is Lighter Than Air!!!

Getting the Right Height
According to information from one of our manufacturers, you can install
a CO alarm at any height in your home.
The reason is that the molecular weight of air is almost identical to the
weight of carbon monoxide. Air is typically composed of 78% nitrogen
and 21% oxygen. Nitrogen has a specific weight of 28.013 while carbon
monoxide is almost identical 28.011. CO mixes with Air as their weights
are approximately the same.
Also remember that a minimum of 3 carbon monoxide alarms are
recommended for a two story home, one on each level near the
stairwells.
Put one inside each bedroom if you close bedroom doors at night.

What’s Wrong with this?

Questions?
For Other Training Opportunities Visit Us At:
www.msavagesite.wordpress.com
Or Email at: michaellsavagellc.training@gmail.com

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Session: Fire Alarm Installation

PRESENTED BY: MICHAEL L. SAVAGE, LLC.

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A system or portion of a combination system that

This is the NFPA preferred definition.

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◦ Ducts, Plenums, and Other Air-Handling Spaces. See 300.22

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IN SHORT…IT SHALL BE LISTED!!

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(K) Bushing. A bushing shall be installed where cables emerge from

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Fire alarm circuits shall be identified at terminal and junction

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Where raceways are installed in wet locations above-grade, the

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Air Supply Duct Suspended Ceiling Air Return

Riser (or Plenum) Cable

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LEGEND These 4 must appear on all cables Nationally

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